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What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

So I attempted my second cutout. Didn't go well this time. The bees were in the end box of a patio bench. I smoked them, then moved the box back so that the bench slide out more of the opening that was also their hive entrance.

They went crazy. I was protected and did not get stung. But they followed me for ever and for along time.

Has anyone been in that situation? Do you go forward with the cutout or did you just kill the bees?

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

I have done some removals where they bees were very aggressive. If you have started the removal and it is at some ones home, I think you should complete it.
If this is near some ones home and you have aggravated the bees they could be a danger to the home owners

"It's better to die upon your feet than to live upon your knees!" Zapata

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

Bkeech, Time to put your big pants on Doing cutouts you never know how happy or unhappy the bees will be about their rescue, afterall they do not see the need of relocating. If you find out they are africanized you could requeen in the Spring, that is of course if they make it, seems kind of late for a cutout. Don't kill the bees

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

Most of the time you cannot tell whether they are African or European. That comes after watching their hive behavior. All bees defend their hive. The differences aren't as great in the US as they are elsewhere. Most of the time I can only really tell when they are really "runny" after I get them home. If you can't handle them or judge them to be a public menace - soap them down.

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

Just a note. I would avoid any cut-outs in residential areas. You are going to open up a wall in a subdivision and have all hell break loose with 20 houses within 100 ft. If it is a large hot colony you will be in trouble. It sounds like you should maybe get some more experience before tackling any serious cut-outs. Any questions just ask.

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

You had a suit on and did not get stung. Why did you quit? All bees get nasty when you destroy their home, blow foul smelly smoke in their face and take away their children and their food.
Don't ever open a nest and walk away leaving a few thousand angry bees looking for somebody to take their revenge on.
Find a mentor and get some knowledge before you get someone hurt.
If you can't work in the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I found myself in a situation a lot like the one you describe, and I was unprepared. The biggest hint was that I couldn't see much through my veil because the bees were mobbing me. Since that experience, I will not go out for any kind of takeout or even to get a swarm without a bottle of soapy water that I can easily put in a sprayer and either kill a colony or clean up those last few bees that always avoid the vacuum and insist on staying home.

I take no pleasure in killing bees, but occasionally, I mean rarely, there is enough human and pet traffic that you must act to insure safety in the area. A good colony of bees can have a bad day when the stars align just right.

Join a local bee club. Tag along on a few cut outs (its fun). Watch JPthebeeman on youtube.

LeeB
I try to learn from my mistakes, and from yours when you give me a heads up :)

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

About 75% of the wild bees in AZ are africanized, and are very common to find on a cut out task. I catch swarms and use swarm-lures, in AZ. Beekeeping in AZ means coping with them. I currently have some hives that were wild, and mean, showing the traits of africanized bees.. They were usurped, by other wild bees that are much milder disposition. Since usurping hives is a common africanized bee trait, do I now have nicer africanized bees? In AZ., your need will be to stay always protected, and to look out for anyone within 500 yards. You would be very upset, ( and possibly arrested) if you were to accidently harm some kids, or neighbors. Here's a good rule of thumb: If you start the bee job, finish it. I was taught that, years ago, about work in bee-yards. It seems doubly important for cutout work. The good thing, is that some of those hybrids are really good bees. Even with the attitude!

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

Some people advocate spraying soapy water to kill the bees.
I understand this is a last resort option, but do you think this could be avoided most of the time if, instead of using a smoker, one uses a propolis essential oil salve over one's gloves (if one uses gloves) and suit (if any) when extraction or cut out begins that puts the defensive colony in a super chill state?
Wouldn't this reduce the need for bees to consume their last drops of honey especially if the cut out is during winter time?

Re: What do you do when encountering african bees for a cutout?

Originally Posted by Rader Sidetrack

Spraying bees with soapy water will kill them. The soapy water method is only as a last resort - if you have no alternative.

Graham would you know what the soap to water ratio is and what kind of soap?
Thanks in advance. As an aside we are expecting 50 degree temps on Saturday, maybe I'll be able to see if the girls are alive or not.
Colino

But every sunday afternoon he is a dirt track demon
In a '57 chevrolet- Jim Croce